Europ Nostra Belgium

TURN EN TAXIS
Brussel
Medaille in Categorie 1 - Conservatie

Uitreksel uit het Europa Nostra Awards Magazine:

A Medal in Category 1 - Conservation has been awarded to the conservation and redevelopment of the Tour & Taxis Site in Brussels, Belgium, a large complex of buildings that was used from 1907 to 1987 for customs clearing and storage of commercial goods. The main building, the Entrepôt Royal, and the adjoining warehouses have been exceptionally restored. Traces of train tracks and platforms, the concrete structure, and the interior street with its glass roof and balcony railings have all been safeguarded to show the original functioning of the buildings. New functions, such as office space for over 1000 workers, a commercial gallery and extensive multipurpose areas, have been inserted. The high quality of the conservation work, substantial and modest at the same time, honours the complex's industrial past, retaining the characteristic façades combining yellow brickwork with natural stone and shed roofs. It is highly appreciated that the Tour & Taxis Site was understood to be of great importance not just for its economic potential, but for its cultural and historic values as well.

LES CLASSES D'EVEIL AU PATRIMONE ET A SES METIERS
Centre de la Paix-Dieu, Amay
Medaille in Categorie 4 - Educatie, Opleiding en Bewustmaking

Uitreksel uit het Europa Nostra Awards Magazine:

A Medal in Category 4 - Education, Training and Awareness Raising has been given to Classes d'éveil au Patrimoine et à ses metiers at the La Paix-Dieu centre in Amay, Belgium. This initiative of the Walloon Institute for Cultural Heritage aims to raise awareness among youths aged 12 to 15 of the architectural heritage and related professions, by organising four day courses at a Cistercian abbey founded in 1244 that is undergoing restoration. In the past 10 years, over 5000 students and more than 350 teachers have been involved in these courses. Because of its success, the project now also includes 3 to 5 day summer schools for children and their parents. The project is highly appreciated for the impact it has on its participants, both cultural and social. Living and working for a number of days on a prestigious site, accompanied by conservation and restoration experts and professionals, instills a passion for cultural heritage and its values, and opens a door to a future professional life in the field.